The Art of Making Clocks

While we collectors often concern
ourselves with just antique clocks or watches, at our April meeting we
got a first-hand lesson in the extraordinary art of the modern clock maker.
Engineering instructor Greg Graham presented his program entitled, "From
Dream to Reality, The Art of Making Clocks." With professional-quality,
computer generated slides, and fascinating first-hand accounts, Greg took
us on a journey that combined the application of new-technology skills
with an appreciation of how the old crafts can add the artistic touch
to a modern horological masterpiece.

Early in the presentation,
Greg told how he met Ed Beacham III in Oregon. It was the meeting of the
modern technologist and the traditional craftsman. He then took us through
various steps in the creation of a clock: choice of movement (hand made
or purchased), case construction, veneering, inlay, hand rubbing, and
dials.

One of the examples he brought
with him – one of only eight made – had a beautiful porcelain dial with
painted scenes in each corner. The scenes were echoed in small porcelain
inlays on the clock case itself. Greg used a laser cutter to create the
open fretwork panels on the sides of the clock which allowed the 9-bell
movement to be heard. The other example was a beautifully detailed miniature
Vienna.

Greg enjoyed explaining how
modern technology could be adapted to custom clock making. He showed escape
wheels being made on a machine controlled by a computer. He talked about
verges being fabricated using Electro Discharge Machining (EDM). And he
related an "engineering formula for making parts," which was
Experience over Judgement: If either equals zero, you’re in trouble.

There were several criteria
that Greg suggested when deciding to embark on a clock making project,
including: Is it fun to make? Will it sell? Is it within your capabilities?
Is it different? Is the design a pleasant mix of case and movement?

As he was winding down his
program with a discussion of case making and his wood staining process,
he passed an extraordinary one-hammer Westminster chime movement around
the room. Everyone enjoyed a look at the amazing ingenuity involved in
its works.

Our sincere thanks to Greg
for a highly informative and superbly presented program.

Our Beginner’s Corner featured
Roy Irick with some sage words of advice for people who take the advice
of guidebooks and clock salesmen at face value. Using computerized slides,
he related how a French lyre clock that had been represented as being
made in the 1860s turned out to be from after 1900. The giveaway? Removing
the bell from the back of the movement revealed a stamp that advertised
an award the maker received in 1900.

Another acquisition was a carriage
clock with a one-piece case. Such cases were listed in reference books
as being made before 1845. Yet an examination of the movement revealed
a medallion stamp that dated the clock at least 10 years later. The lesson
for all collectors is to examine each potential acquisition thoroughly
to avoid later disappointment.

Show and Tell featured Gene
Osten with a Hamilton watch that has two hour hands. Gene explained that
railroad engineers were not allowed to set their watches, so the dual
hour hands helped them keep track when they crossed time zones.

Bud Saiben brought a pigeon
timer with a 7-jewel German movement. He told several interesting stories
about how these timers were used to time the flights of homing pigeons
that had been released many miles from their home.

General Meeting Minutes
April 6, 2001

President Roy Irick
called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m., and welcomed guest Barry Jensen.
He reminded us of the upcoming marts, the Pac Rim Regional and our own
Goodtyme Supermart.

Bernie Pollack reminded
us that we are co-sponsoring the Pac Rim Regional this coming September
13-15. He will return to a future Chapter 69 meeting to sign up volunteers
to work at the registration desks.

Roy thanked Cora
Lee Linkenhoker for the refreshments. This month’s Directors’ meeting
will be held at the Linkenhokers’ home.

Jay McAlister reported
that he is still seeking volunteers to help with table setup and security
for the Goodtyme Supermart. Setup will begin on Friday, May 11 at 3:00
p.m. Clean-up will take place on Saturday at 1:30.

Dave Weisbart announced
that Murray Lefkowitz was in intensive care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in
Orange. A "get well" card was circulated.

Nominating committee
chair Bob Linkenhoker gave a report on his work in preparation for the
chapter election in June. He opened the floor to nominations. Al Kahn
nominated Dave Weisbart for President.

Roy presented certificates
to both Millie and Jim Espy in appreciation for their many years of hard
work on behalf of our chapter and the NAWCC.

The main program
was presented by Greg Graham. The title was "From Dream to Reality,
The Art of Making Clocks." His slide show was created and run on
his computer, displayed using a video projector. Both the graphics and
narration were outstanding.

Show and Tell included
Gene Osten showing a Hamilton watch with two hour hands, and Bud Saiben
with a pigeon timer.

Door prizes were
won by Pat Espe, Elle Clark, and Eric Leung.

Meeting adjourned
at 9:15.

 Respectfully
submitted, David Weisbart, Secretary

Directors' Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001

The meeting was held
at the home of Bob and Cora Lee Linkenhoker. President Roy Irick called
the meeting to order at 7:32. In attendance were: officers Bob Linkenhoker,
Terry Cunningham and David Weisbart; directors Doug Adams, Ray Marsolek,
Cora Lee Linkenhoker, Mary Ann Wahlner, and Julie Stevens; and guests
Jay McAlister, Marsha Cunningham and Alvina Marsolek.

Ray moved and Bob
seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the previous minutes as published.
Motion passed.

Jay reported on the
Goodtyme Supermart. We have paid the city of Tustin for the hall, and
they can provide up to 22 tables. Volunteers are still needed for security
detail. Dave Weisbart volunteered to wear a security hat for part of the
mart.

Next month’s program
will be provided by Bob Linkenhoker. Beginner’s Corner will be skipped
in May to allow for the possibility of extended discussion of business
topics.

The May Directors’
meeting will be held at the home of Sally and Angelo DiMino.

An extensive discussion
of chapter-organized workshops was held. Ray explained that in order to
qualify for the "suitcase course" certificate, the course would
take four days to cover a topic. If it is not a certificate course, we
have more flexibility. The workshop location(s) would dictate how many
participants there could be. It was tentatively decided to work towards
workshops on four consecutive weekends: September 22, 29, October 6 and
13. Julie will look into possible sites.

Treasurer Bob Linkenhoker
circulated the financial statements. Budgets for door prizes and refreshments
were discussed. It was pointed out that the chapter has an operating deficit.
Part of the chapter’s monthly shortfall could be attributed to the fact
that just printing and postage costs for the Tic Talk Times exceed the
current membership dues. There was consensus that membership dues should
cover the costs directly associated with supporting chapter members. After
further discussion, specifically about setting a workable dues increase,
Terry moved and Ray seconded a motion that the membership be asked to
approve a raise in annual dues to $10.00. The motion passed with one dissenting
vote. Roy, Bob, and Dave will work on a newsletter article explaining
the increase.

Bob also notified
us that, due to the Anaheim Convention Center’s insistence on early payment,
part of a CD that is coming due in April will be diverted to the 2002
National’s account, with the remainder being placed in a liquid CD at
a favorable rate.

There was a discussion
of the establishment of an Audio-Visual Committee. Bob distributed an
analysis of the by-laws with several options for establishing such a committee.
The simplest option employed a passage in the by-laws that allows the
Directors to establish committees as needed. Dave moved and Mary Ann seconded
a motion to establish an Audio-Visual Committee that would be in charge
of storage and operation of the chapter’s A/V equipment. The motion passed.

Ray continues to
work on formal guidelines for refreshments. He will ask for member volunteers
who would like to provide refreshments at future meetings.

Bob gave a report
on the activity of the Nominating Committee. A slate of candidates will
be made public at the May general meeting.

There was a brief
discussion of the need for the chapter to acquire a better video camera,
especially to facilitate watch programs. Dave presented some preliminary
results of his research into prices and features, and said he will explore
some purchase options with Bill McNelis and the 2002 committee.

A motion to adjourn
was made. Yummy goodies were consumed.

 Respectfully
submitted, David Weisbart, Secretary

South County Meeting Minutes

A Touch of England

The South County
sub-chapter meeting was held on Sunday, April 8, 2001 at 2 P.M. at the
ParaTech Coating building in Aliso Viejo.

Minutes of the March
11, 2001 meeting were approved as circulated as well as the financial
report.

The NAWCC video program
of "Metal Statue and Figure Repair" was viewed and discussed.

Show and Tell consists
of whatever members choose to bring or discuss. Jeffrey Stewart brought
the book "English Manor Houses" by Nichols Cooper and Marianne Mojerus.
Several houses and locales where he was born and grew up were viewed.
He also brought a bank vault timer with three electrical movements marked
"Yale" who probably made the safe as well. Jeffrey also brought a copy
of the March 25, 2001 issue of the London Financial Times with several
articles on antique watches. Mike Taylor brought several examples of scrimshaw;
tow walrus tusk lapel pins and and ivory handled pie server. Mike also
brought the case for a bracket clock he is making for his brother who
has the antique English movement.

The next meeting
will be held on May 6, 2001 (one week early due to Mothers Day) at ParaTech
at 2 P.M..

Any NAWCC member
is welcome. For information call 949-859-7784. ParaTech may be reached
from El Toro Road by going south on Moulton Parkway; right on Glenwood
Dr.; left on Argonaut to #35.

— Minutes submitted
by Mary Ann Wahlner

These were
the minutes as published in Chapter 69's official newsletter, the Tic Talk Times.

National Association of Watch
and Clock Collectors Orange County Chapter 69, home of The NAWCC Southern
California Adventure, The 2002 Convention of the National Association
of Watch and Clock Collectors.